MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Topanga Creek Outpost Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.4 (50)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Santa Monica Mountains NRA
  5. Topanga State Park
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A 10-mile loop with a good mix of fire roads and singletracks. ”

Chris Kelly
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

10.7

Miles

17.3

KM

25%

Singletrack

2,059' 628 m

High

895' 273 m

Low

1,382' 421 m

Up

1,382' 421 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly Part of the trail is a wide-open fire road, great for kids.

Overview

A great loop with a good variety of scenery, wildflower, and beautiful views.

Description

Starting from the Topanga Creek Outpost, head north on Topanga Canyon Boulevard for 0.5 miles, then turn right on Arteique Road. Shortly after, turn right again on the Deer Hill Trail and the trailhead starts on the left-hand side up a dirt ramp covered in wood chips. The beginning part is all singletrack with a moderate climb. In the middle of the trail, you go through an open meadow that's completely covered in beautiful yellow wildflowers in the springtime (it reminds me of Little House on the Prairie).

Continue to dirt Mulholland Drive Fire Road for a jaw-dropping view of the San Fernando Valley. Follow this open and flowing fire road until the Temescal Ridge Trail (Fire Road 30) intersection, turn right and go around the gate. Enjoy the beautiful view from above the wild and lush canyons with sycamore and oak riparian forests below. Wildlife such as songbirds, upland birds, and deer are seen year-round. There are occasional sightings of coyotes inside the state park as well.

After an ascent up to the Hub, you can take a rest under a shaded canopy. Then take the first trail (Eagle Springs Fire Road) on the right-hand side behind the outhouse for a short climb to the highest point of the ride. The landscape here is Mars-like with an abundance of red soil and round pebbles protruding from it. You'll also find gorgeous views of the canyons below, all the way to the Pacific Ocean and beyond.

The rest of the ride is a super fun descent all the way down to Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Do not miss the right-hand turn onto Cheney Ranch Road, which is entirely singletrack with a bit of a technical, rocky waterfall section at the end, right before exiting the State Park around a closed gate.

Contacts

Land Manager: California State Parks - Angeles District

Shared By:

Chris Kelly
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 50 votes

#1

in Topanga State Park

#573

Overall
  3.4 from 50 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
42%
2 Star
18%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Topanga State Park

#83

in California

#573

Overall
57 Views Last Month
21,128 Since Feb 6, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
2%
2%
63%
9%
22%
2%
Add a Photo

Photos

Cheney Trail
Feb 6, 2016 near Topanga, CA
The trailhead as seen from Santa Maria Road
Oct 22, 2017 near Topanga, CA
The Hub at dusk. It looks lonely here, but this is the confluence of several trails and roads in the area and a good place to make new friends. Shade, trash, and restroom available, but no water.
Jun 10, 2017 near Topanga, CA
Mulholland Overlook
Jun 12, 2013 near Woodlan…, CA
At the 1.2-mile point, the left side of gate on trail as depicted.
Oct 4, 2016 near Topanga, CA
Right side of the trail as depicted.
Oct 4, 2016 near Topanga, CA

11 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 19, 2023
Paul Vander
Feb 12, 2022
Paul Vander
May 1, 2021
Ty Del Re
10.7mi — 2h 35m
Apr 4, 2021
khalil Hajkhalil
Jan 31, 2021
heng yu yin
Jan 18, 2021
Sydney Aveson
12.1mi — 3h 19m
Jan 17, 2021
Chris Makowicki
12mi
Dec 12, 2020
Brian Broiles

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started